Coin of Mithradates VI, Amisos (Pontos) c. 2th century

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this fascinating artifact: a coin of Mithradates VI of Pontos, from Amisos. It strikes me as surprisingly elegant, even in its worn condition. Editor: Indeed. One sees, in the figure of Nike, the embodiment of victory, rendered with such exquisite detail, defying the limitations of the coin's modest scale. But what of Mithradates himself? Curator: This coin, beyond its intrinsic aesthetic, presents Mithradates's complex self-fashioning. He strategically aligns himself with Greek deities, thus legitimizing his rule and projecting an image of power. Editor: So, a calculated move. I note the deliberate use of imagery, the eagle, the star, the crescent. All serve a propagandistic purpose, aiming to convey divine favor, reinforcing Mithradates’s authority. Curator: Precisely, yet the formalism is undeniable. The balance, the symmetry, all contribute to a powerful visual statement, irrespective of the political motivations. Editor: Perhaps a reminder that even in art with overt political aims, aesthetic choices are never neutral. Curator: An intersection of power and artistry, then. A compelling synthesis. Editor: I concur. It makes you consider all the possible nuances embedded in something as simple as currency.